Text and photos by José Ayala
In one of these sunny summer days, it just came to my mind strolling by our Campagnone Common, a symbol of the greatness that once showcased the city as a powerful industrial hub. I walked it; I petted it; I breathed it, and I photographed it with the used Galaxy 4 that I bought “for pennies” on Craigslist to someone who wanted to buy something simpler.
My first stop was the Robert Frost Fountain where, after passing by the place in several occasions before, I finally stopped to read this plaque surrounding the beautiful “plazoleta” (square) in honor of the poet. There I began my journey through the time tunnel to continue towards the Monument to the Textile Strikers of 1912, an event known in history as “Bread and RosesStrike”.
And here lies the importance of visiting these places, besides taking photos it must include the reading of the plaques and a gesture of attention, respect and honor to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for an ideal or cause. And yes, those were the feelings that went through me as I read on the stone next to our flag:
“This hand sculptured bronze relief, mounted into this 30,000 pound basalt oulder, commemorates the Great Lawrence Textile Strike of January 12, 1912. This globally known strike became a pivotal point in U.S. labor history. It was here, on this site, in the North Common Historical District, where 20,000 strikers rallied to challenge the cut in their pay when the State cut the work week from 56 to 54 hrs for women and children… After weeks of confrontations… taking the lives of three workers and injuring and jailing hundreds of others…On March 14th the strikers agreed to end the strike. These terms, which affected 35,000 Lawrence textile workers, were verbally ratified in this Common, thus changing American history”.
I must admit that as I read those paragraphs, a mixed feeling of sorrow, anger and pride came over me.
I continued my tour to other monuments such as the Civil War Memorial, erected in 1881, listing the names of the Lawrence men who fought for the Union. My visit to the Campagnone Common would not be complete if I had not gone to the monument to Lawrencians who participated in the Second World War, the Spanish American War, the Gulf War and the Korean War.
In my transition from monument to monument, occasionally an unexpected “Hello, ¿How are you” or “What a lovely day today, don’t you think?” I also wondered if the residents of the City of Lawrence were taking advantage of these rich natural and historical resources that are housed inside this green lung of 17.5 acres, donated to the City by the Essex Company on Oct. 1, 1848
. Did you know that its old name was Lawrence Common and the current name of Campagnone was given in 1946 in memory of brothers Albert, Carmen and Bernard Campagnone, born and raised on Chesnut Street? They gave their lives fighting in World War II. These three sons of Stephen and Mary Campagnone, Italian immigrants, gave their lives fighting in World War II.
And there, far right of the stage of concrete that same stage where the City itself and community organizations showcase bands and special speakers, a silent and dying monument remains steadfast in compliance with its duty. How many of those attending the Park, including many who rely on this historic piece, take a minute to read these names and their heroic acts? Without fear, I think few of them do.
It is imperative, for the cultural survival of our residents and generations to come, that the broad historical range of resources that we have be appreciated in its widest and fair dimension.
Parents and guardians must take full responsibility to bring their children to the Campagnone. Sit on the benches; enjoy the shade of the trees; walk along its paths and, above all, take a look at the monuments and read the messages that complement them. Be creative and provoke questions and opinions. Do not be afraid of the so called “boredom” that we hear from some when that has to do with education and intellectual development. Do not be afraid to embrace history and fresh air emanating from the Campagnone. As Montesquieu, the great French writer and politician of the Enlightenment, once said “Happy the people whose history is read with boredom”.
What about our schools? Do our students know that before 1848 part of this land was a swamp? Or do they know that one portion of the land was planted with buckwheat and cabbage? Perhaps, the historical significance of the monuments in the Park. I really do not know if our teachers use the park as a teaching resource, either by visiting the site with students and doing activities with them, or by visiting the Lawrence History Center, or any other facility that house and promote our history.
And squirrels, pigeons and even hawks who visit the park? A charm and An excellent opportunity and resource of real life. No books, no pictures, no internet to introduce children to the process of life, the species, its habitat, and a good start for their love for biology.
By the way, it was a great pleasure when I captured a red-tailed hawk in flight over City Hall. Maybe it was the same carnivore preparing lunch in January when its claws were hugging what looked like a squirrel near the Robert Frost Fountain. Undoubtedly, it was a tragic ending for the victim but a satisfying experience by witnessing how the food chain works regardless of our feeling and wishes. Can you just imagine what an unforgettable learning experience that scene would be for our students?
This is what the Campagnone Common is all about! Experiencing the unexpected; embracing the surprise phenomenon. Here anything is possible. Every day is a new scene in this piece of land surrounded by Common, Lawrence, Haverhill and Jackson Street.
It would be refreshing to see in the park students, teachers, parents, visitors and residents in general learning and sharing knowledge and asking questions about how that came to be transformed from a marshy ground into what we enjoy today. Who were the players that made that happen? What construction tools and engineering techniques did they apply? Who donated the ground, who designed it, or why the fountain in front of the City Hall was named Robert Lee Frost?
In summary, in the remainder of the summer, visit the Campagnone Common. Just walk, look, read, touch and talk. No guilt, no quizzes, no winners or losers. Enjoy it and have a nice and simple conversation with your family members and friends about the Park or whatever comes to your mind, but feel proud of having this unique treasure in the heart of your city, the City of Immigrants.
